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Macalester College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public university in Minneapolis, MN. Macalester College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,778 a year against $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 85% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Ten years after enrolling, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities alumni earn a median of about $69,020, against $63,878 for Macalester College.

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Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,131
31,855
Acceptance rate
29%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
1300–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$16,778
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$30,061
In-state tuition
$68,104
$17,214
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$38,362
Application fee
$0
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$6,642
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$7,283
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$9,931
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$16,415
Over $110k
$44,880
$27,008
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
85%
Freshman retention
92%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$57,984
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$69,020
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
18%
First-generation students
13%
19%
International students
15%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Macalester College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Macalester College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,778 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,149 at Macalester College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Macalester College and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Before aid, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs about $30,061 a year and Macalester College about $82,991. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Macalester College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,642 there, against about $13,772 at Macalester College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Macalester College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the larger of the two, with about 31,855 undergraduates against 2,131 at Macalester College.
Does Macalester College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 85% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Do graduates of Macalester College or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earn more?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,020 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,878 for Macalester College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 1300–1500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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